1st Sunday of Advent - Comparison of Prayers

"The Last Judgement" by Michelangelo
"So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."-Matthew 24:44

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Da, quaésumus, omnípotens Deus, hanc tuis fidélibus voluntátem, ut, Christo tuo veniénti iustis opéribus occurréntes, eius déxteræ sociáti, regnum mereántur possidére cæléste.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant this desire to Your faithful, we beseech You, Almighty God, that, running with just works to meet Your coming Christ, and having been gathered at His right hand, they may be made worthy to possess the Heavenly Kingdom.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Súscipe, quaésumus, Dómine, múnera quæ de tuis offérimus colláta benefíciis, et, quod nostræ devotióni concédis éffici temporáli, tuæ nobis fiat praémium redemptiónis ætérnæ.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, from all you give us we present this bread and wine. As we serve you now, accept our offering and sustain us with your promise of eternal life.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Receive these gifts, we beseech You, O Lord, which, having been bestowed from Your kindness, we offer unto You, and that that which You grant to be accomplished for our temporal devotion, may become for us the reward of Your eternal redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Advent - On the Second Coming of Christ

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Qui, primo advéntu in humilitáte carnis assúmptæ, dispositiónis antíquæ munus implévit, nobísque salútis perpétuæ trámitem reserávit: ut, cum secúndo vénerit in suæ glória maiestátis, manifésto demum múnere capiámus, quod vigilántes nunc audémus expectáre promíssum.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God: through Christ our Lord.
Who, in His first coming in the lowliness of assumed flesh, fulfilled the work of Your ancient arrangement, and opened to us the path to eternal salvation: so that, when He will come again in the Glory of His Majesty, we may then indeed openly take hold of that gift, a promise which we now dare to await with vigilance.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the host of the Heavenly Army, we sing the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Prosint nobis, quaésumus, Dómine, frequentáta mystéria, quibus nos, inter prætereúntia ambulántes, iam nunc instítuis amáre cæléstia et inhærére mansúris.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, may our communion teach us to love heaven. May its promise and hope guide our way on earth.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. May these frequented Mysteries be beneficial to us, we beseech You, O Lord, by Which You have just now established for us, who walk amidst the things which are passing away, to love Heavenly things and to cling to the things which will endure.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Religions - Ecological Extremists

I usually don't like to post on current events, because it can become so overwhelming to keep up, but this story was just so absolutely absurd.

"... Toni terminated her pregnancy, she did so in the firm belief she was helping to save the planet.

Incredibly, so determined was she that the terrible "mistake" of pregnancy should never happen again, that she begged the doctor who performed the abortion to sterilise her at the same time.

He refused, but Toni - who works for an environmental charity - "relentlessly hunted down a doctor who would perform the irreversible surgery.

Finally, eight years ago, Toni got her way.

At the age of 27 this young woman at the height of her reproductive years was sterilised to "protect the planet".

Incredibly, instead of mourning the loss of a family that never was, her boyfriend (now husband) presented her with a congratulations card.

While some might think it strange to celebrate the reversal of nature and denial of motherhood, Toni relishes her decision with an almost religious zeal.

"Having children is selfish. It's all about maintaining your genetic line at the expense of the planet," says Toni, 35."

Read the whole story here:

Meet the women who won't have babies - because they're not eco friendly

I think there may be some Divine Providenc in this though. It might be better that she not pro-create, and at least she won't be having abortions herself anymore.

I thought ecologists wanted to help preserve the planet for future generations, not kill future generations to preserve the planet. Ultimately, it's kind of pointless since the sun is going to engulf the planet several epochs from now anyway (maybe we should kill the sun too, the evil planet engulfer!)

But it makes you wonder, why she thinks she should live and use up so many resources if she REALLY believes what she does. Or why she doesn't just kill people -- oh wait, she's already done that once already. But what if she takes it a step further to just killing anybody? People with priorities this out of whack could be EXTREMELY dangerous to society.

RS

Saint Saturninus of Carthage

Although I posted about him last year, for those of you new to the blog, let me introduce you to a friend of mine.

Today is the feast day of Saint Saturninus of Carthage, Marytr.
(I am not sure if he was a priest or not.)
(Not to be confused with Saint Saturninus of Toulouse, Bishop & Martyr, whose feast is also today.)

There might be more interest in Saint Saturninus of Carthage now because he is in the universal calendar for the extraordinary form of the Mass (he was even in the hybrid Mass Roman Missal of 1964), and the older form of Mass is being said more again.

The old Roman Martyrology has this about Saint Saturninus:

Romæ, via Salaria, natális sanctórum Mártyrum Saturnini senis, et Sisinii Diáconi, sub Maximiáno Príncipe; quos, diu in cárcere maceratos, jussit Urbis Præfectus in equuleum levári et attrahi nervis, fustibus ac scorpiónibus cædi, deínde eis flammas apponi, et, depositos de equuleo, cápite truncari.

At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of the holy martyr, Saturninus, an aged man, and the deacon Sisinius, in the time of Emperor Maximian. After a long imprisonment, by order of the prefect of the city they were placed on the rack, stretched with ropes, scourged with rods and whips garnished with metal, then exposed to the flames, taken down from the rack and beheaded.

- from breviary.net's Roman Maryrology pages(Sorry, it's a good site for the old martyrology, but the site is run by sedevacantists).

The new (2004) Roman Martyrology has this:

Romæ in cœmetério Trasónis via Salária Nova, sancti Saturníni Carthaginénsis, mártyris, qui, ut sanctus Dámasus papa refert, sub Décio imperatóre pro Christo in pátria in ecúleo impósitus est et Romam extórris missus, ubi, áliis atrócibus torméntis superátis, Gratiánum tyránnum ad fidem convértit et cápite obtruncáto corónam martýrii adéptus est.

(My rough translation)

At Rome, in the cemetary of Trasonis on the New Via Salaria, Saint Saturninus of Carthage, martyr, who, Pope Saint Damasus relates, that under the Emperor Decius, in his homeland he [St. Saturninus] was placed on the rack for Christ, and sent into exile in Rome, where, having overcome other severe tortures, converted the tyrant Gratianus to the faith, and [St. Saturninus] being beheaded obtained the crown of martyrdom.

I'm not sure what happened to St. Saturninus' deacon companion Sisinius in the new Martyrology. I often worry that some parts of legends are automatically thrown out if they can't be proven, rather than keeping them until the can be proven false. That is often the case in the rather snotty comments in the Thurston & Atwater edition of Butler's Lives of the Saints.

Still, the fact of the matter is that Saint Saturninus was martyred in Rome and his remains are at a side altar at the Basilica of Saints John and Paul (the ones menioned in the Roman Canon).


So, while visiting the basilica for the first time back in 2000, I "met" and developed a devotion to this martyr of old age. Again I wish to thank Father Cassian of Norcia for the suggestion to visit this basilica. It really is a hidden treasure that is not on the main tourist circuit.

While digging around on the internet I also found a bit more about him.

A brief article at catholicculture.org had this to say:
St. Saturninus

The Martyrology gives these details: "At Rome on the Via Salaria the death of the holy martyr, the aged Saturninus, and of the deacon Sisinius. Under the emperor Maximianus they suffered long in prison. The prefect of Rome ordered them placed on the rack till their joints were torn loose, then beaten with knotted whips, and burnt with torches; at last removed from the rack, they were beheaded." According to the inscription on his tomb by Pope St. Damasus, Saturninus hailed from Carthage. The Acts of Marcellus say he was condemned as a frail old man to carry sand for the construction of the Baths of Diocletian; but when by his patience and prayer and encouragement he led many to the faith, he was beheaded.

Then I found something really interesting. Saint Saturninus' relics have been kept in the sarcophagus at the Basilica of Saints John and Paul:


I also learned from the sacristan there (thanks to my translator Father Clement of Norcia)that some of the relics were also given to a new parish in Rome named after Saint Saturninus. However, he was originally buried in the Catacombs, and Pope Saint Damasus wrote a beautiful epitaph on his tomb there:

Epigraph of Pope Saint Damasus for St. Saturninus
Citizen now of Christ, formerly of Carthage,
The moment the sword pierced the Mother's holy breast,
through her blood he changed country, name and lineage,
the birth to the life of the saints made him a Roman citizen.
His faith was wonderful: as his heroic death would later show.
His enemy Gratianus trembled while he tore his holy members;
but though all his venomous rage exploded,
he could not induce you, O Saint, to deny Christ;
indeed through your prayers he even deserved to die a Christian.
This is the will of the suppliant Damasus: venerate this tomb!
[Here it is given to fulfil vows and to pour out chaste prayers,
because it is the tomb of the martyr St Saturninus]
To you, O Martyr Saturninus, I pay my prayerful homage.

source

I also found the collect for his feast (which used to be on the universal calendar before the changes of Vatican II) from the traditional Divine Office:

Orémus.
Deus, qui nos beáti Saturníni Mártyris tui concédis natalício pérfrui: eius nos tríbue méritis adiuvári. Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum. Amen.

Let us pray.
O God, Who givest us to rejoice in the feast of Thy blessed Martyr Saturninus: grant that we may be helped by his merits. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

I have become devoted to him, and love the fact that in spite of his old age he suffered for Christ, to the point of torture, exile, more torture, and martyrdom. He does show that God chooses the weak to shame the strong.


When I was in Rome a few months ago, it was good to visit my old friend again.

Sancte Saturníne (et Sancte Sisinie), ora(te) pro nobis.

"To you, O Martyr Saturninus, I pay my prayerful homage" as well.

And to any priests who are saying the extraordinary form of the Mass and can follow the traditional calendar or who say the ordinary form and have a copy of the Roman Martyrology, I invite you to remember him as well.

(Sorry if this entry is a bit thrown together. Yes, some of it is stolen from last year's entry on Saint Saturninus. However, it's 1:45am here, and the city is using jackhammers about a block away from my apartment to get to a watermain break. Figured I'd get this post up since sleep is not an option at the moment.)

RS

The Paperboy.

This is to help Carolina Cannonball with her sanity over a situation at her work. Since she mentioned that someone at her office is hounding her about $6.00, it immediately reminded me of the paperboy in the hilarious 1985 movie "Better Off Dead."

Her situation might be annoying, but you just have to look at it from a different perspective. Just imagine this paper boy any time you hear her want her $6.00.

CC, this one's for you:



(If you haven't seen this movie, you must. It is an 80's classic.)

RS

Punishing myself

Ugh. I slept in so I'm going to have to go to noon Mass at the local life teen parish.

Maybe that will teach me not to be lazy and sleep in.

RS

Franciscan Cardinal

For Carolina Cannonball, and her new "gazing" theme.

"The Grey Cardinal" by Jean Leon Gerome
I just love this picture of all the French royalty bowing down in honor of the little Franciscan Cardinal, who is completely unphased by all the pomp.

RS

Advent betting pool and other rants.

OK, here's the bet:

Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent.
I wonder what percentage of Roman Catholic parishes in North America (if not the world) will have an entrance hymn (or it could be used elsewhere in Mass) of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

I only bring this up, because really, this song is appropriate for the time from December 17th until Chistmas. The lyrics of the song are based on the "Great O Antiphons" of the Divine Office, which are only used on those days. Really, this song is inappropriate for the first two and a half weeks of Lent. However, for some reason, just because it is listed under "Advent" in most hymnals, those in charge of planning liturgy just automatically use it. I think I have heard this every 1st Sunday of Advent for as long as I can remember.

One thing that needs to be done more, is that we need to understand the liturgy itself and the music chosen. Choosing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" before December 17th, usually shows a lack of study or understanding of the song and the liturgical season.

It's like the equivalent of the "Mass of Creation" for Advent. You ALWAYS hear it, especially on the First Sunday of Advent.

I'm guessing if you called Vegas they would have pretty high odds on it happening.

Maybe I'll set up a poll for next Sunday, just to see if I can get a rough estimate.

Another thing. Advent wreaths are not required for Advent.

Contrary to what the almighty TV tells you, the Christmas Season does not start until December 25th. AND the Christmas Season does not end on December 25th. It goes from Christmas Day until the Baptism of the Lord (about a week into January).


RS

How people get here, episode 112507

Time for another round of how people got to my site:

"theology of mt. everest"
Never had Mt. Everest in the list of Catholic holy mountains. Mount Sinai, Mount Tabor, Mount Zion, and the hill of Golgotha are the top contenders there.

"pope marini"
Woah. If that is P. Marini, that would scare the crap out of me. Thankfully, there were no results for that specific combination, just those words appearing seperately.

"leaving Catholic church"
If you're considering it ... DON'T DO IT!

"byzantine benedictine oblate"
Most Byzantine monks will follow the Rule of Saint Basil. However, I am aware of one Eastern rite monastery which follows the Rule of Saint Benedict: Holy Transfiguration Skete: Society of Saint John You might contact them and ask them if they have oblates.

"goofy song lyrics lets goof around"
Sorry, no life-teen stuff here.

RS

Plenary Indulgence on Christ the King

Just a reminder that you can help a soul in purgatory this Sunday.

Requirements for Obtaining a Plenary Indulgence on Christ the King

- Public recitation of the prayer “Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer - Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King” (listed below)

- Say one “Our Father” and one “Hail Mary” for the intentions of the Pope

- Make a Sacramental Confession within about a week of (before or after) the Feast of Christ the King

- Worthily receive Holy Communion (ideally on the Feast of Christ the King)

- that one be free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin.
(For a better understanding of this one, see this excellent article by Fr. Tim Finigan: "Plenary indulgences not impossible")


Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer - Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ the King

Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before You. We are Yours, and Yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with You, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Your Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known You; many, too, despising Your precepts, have rejected You. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Your Sacred Heart.

Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken You, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned You; grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of Truth and the unity of Faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.

Grant, O Lord, to Your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to It be glory and honor forever. Amen.

The “Technical” Stuff

“1. An indulgence is the remission in the eyes of God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose culpable element has already been taken away. The Christian faithful who are rightly disposed and observe the definite, prescribed conditions gain this remission through the effective assistance of the Church, which, as the minister of redemption, authoritatively distributes and applies the treasury of the expiatory works of Christ and the Saints.”
- Handbook of Indulgences, Norms

“22. The prescribed work for gaining a plenary indulgence attached to a church or oratory is a devout visit there, which includes the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed (Pater Noster and Credo), unless otherwise stated in a specific grant.”
- Handbook of Indulgences, Norms

“23. 1. Besides the exclusion of all attachment to sin, even venial sin, the requirements for gaining a Plenary Indulgence are the performance of the indulgenced work and fulfillment of three conditions: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
2. Several Plenary Indulgences may be gained on the basis of a single Sacramental Confession; only one may be gained, however, on the basis of a single Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
3. The three conditions may be carried out several days preceding or following performance of the prescribed work. But it is more fitting that the Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the day the work is performed.
4. If a person is not fully disposed or if the prescribed work and the three mentioned conditions are not fulfilled, the Indulgence will only be partial ...”
5. The condition requiring prayer for the Pope’s intentions is satisfied by reciting once the Our Father and Hail Mary for his intentions (Pater Noster and Ave Maria); nevertheless all the faithful have the option of reciting any other prayer suited to their own piety and devotion.”
- Handbook of Indulgences, Norms

Grants:
#27. A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful, who piously recite the above Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ the King, if it is recited publicly on the feast of our Lord Jesus Christ the King, and piously carry out the precepts in Norm #23 listed above.
- Handbook of Indulgences, Grants

Solemnity of Christ the King - Comparison of Prayers

Christ the King
Solemnity of Christ the King (from the 2002 Missale Romanum)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui in dilécto Fílio tuo, universórum Rege, ómina instauráre voluísti, concéde propítius, ut tota creatúra, a servitúte liberáta, tuæ maiestáti desérviat ac te sine fine colláudet.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty and merciful, you break the power of evil and make all things new in your Son, Jesus Christ, the King of the universe. May all in heaven and earth acclaim your glory and never cease to praise you.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, Who wished to restore all things in Your Beloved Son, the King of the universe, graciously grant, that all creatures, having been freed from slavery, may zealously serve Your Majesty and praise You without end.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Hóstiam tibi, Dómine, humánæ reconciliatiónis offeréntes, supplíciter deprecámur, ut ipse Fílius tuus cunctis géntibus unitátis et pacis dona concédat.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, we offer you the sacrifice by which your Son reconciles mankind. May it bring unity and peace to the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Offering to You, O Lord, this Victim of man’s reconciliation, we humbly beseech You, that Your Son Himself may grant the gifts of unity and peace to all peoples.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Preface
Preface of Christ, the King of the Universe

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutáre, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Qui Unigénitum Fílium tuum, Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Sacerdótem ætérnum et universórum Regem, óleo exsultatiónis unxísti:
ut, seípsum in ara crucis hóstiam immaculátam et pacíficam ófferens, redemptiónis humánæ sacraménta perágeret: et, suo subiéctis império ómnibus creatúris, ætérnum et universále regnum imménsæ tuæ tráderet maiestáti: regnum veritátis et vitæ; regnum sanctitátis et grátiæ; regnum iustítiæ, amóris et pacis.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

You anointed Jesus Christ, your only Son, with the oil of gladness, as the eternal high priest and universal king.

As priest he offered his life on the altar of the cross and redeemed the human race by this one perfect sacrifice of peace. As king he claims dominion over all creation that he may present to you, his almighty Father, an eternal and universal kingdom: a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God;
Who anointed with the oil of exultation Your only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, as the Eternal Priest and King of the universe:
so that, offering Himself on the Altar of the Cross as an immaculate and pacifying Victim, to carry out the Sacrament of mankind’s redemption: and thus, with all creatures subject to His rule, He might hand over to Your infinite Majesty an eternal and universal Kingdom: a Kingdom of truth and of life; a Kingdom of sanctity and grace; a Kingdom of justice, love, and peace.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the host of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Immortalitátis alimóniam consecúti, quaésumus, Dómine, ut, qui Christi Regis universórum gloriámur obœdíre mandátis, cum ipso in cælésti regno sine fine vívere valeámus.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, you give us Christ, the King of all creation, as food for everlasting life. Help us to live by his gospel and bring us to the joy of his kingdom,
where he lives and reigns for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having received the Food of immortality, we beseech You, O Lord, that, we who glory in being obedient to the commands of Christ, King of the universe, may be worthy to live with Him in His Heavenly Kingdom without end.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

Happy Thanksgiving

Here's the music of the traditional chant of thanksgiving, the Te Deum. This is the simple tone:

click picture to enlarge

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and don't end up like the pictures in the post below!

RS

Gluttony: A meditation before Thanksgiving Dinner

.
Article ----> Gluttony by Christine Fletcher
(In case you get distracted by all the pictures)

Gluttony?
even wearing a safety helmet, do not try this
No, I'm not trying to ruin your Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. There's nothing wrong with preparing a nice meal and making sure all the particulars are well taken care of ... as long as you don't obsess (or excess) about it. As long as tomorrow is a day in which we do thank God for all He has given to us, don't become scrupulous over what you might read in the linked article at the end of the post.

Fox channel's annual "Glutton Bowl"
(shown on Thanksgiving Day)
Anyway, I found a really good post regarding guttony. The interesting thing is that in many places in today's world, we don't necessarily suffer from the "traditional" idea gluttony of just eating and eating without reason. We are becoming more conscious about how much we are eating. A more subtile form of gluttony is what is referred to as "gluttony of delicacy." Another way of saying it is that we are often way too picky about what we eat.

Record breaking hamburger (over 100 lbs).
This article by Christine Fletcher is an excellent analysis of gluttony and its different forms. I recommend a full reading of it. And I figured I'd post it today to give you a better chance of getting around to read it since tomorrow will probably be busy for those in the U.S. who celebrate Thanksgiving.

Article ----> Gluttony by Christine Fletcher
(Don't get all distracted by the pictures now!)

(Funny, after I read the article, suddenly when I'd got to other sites, food advertisements started showing up in the pages' advertising sections ... the first advertisement was for McDonalds. Guess my computer has been having too many "cookies.")

A 100x100 In & Out Burger (100 patties and 100 slices of cheese). Calorie count: over 19,490 Calories. Full story here: In-N-Out 100x100

I'm hungry, think I'll go get something to eat. :P


Article ----> Gluttony by Christine Fletcher
(In case you got distracted by all the pictures)

RS

Some fruits of Summorum Pontificum

O wow, this is great!

I just saw a post over at The New Liturgical Movement that had me elated.

Several years ago, while in Rome, I had met a few monks from the monastery at Le Barroux. These guys were great monks and priests. In one of our conversations, a friend and I had asked them if they had ever said Mass at the Basilica of Saint Peter. They lamented that because they say Mass according to the 1962 Missal, they were forbidden by the rector of the basilica at the time. I had mentioned this to another friend who was a priest in Rome and he confirmed that this was indeed the situation.

So, it was with great joy that I just saw some pictures of the CIEL in Rome, one of which was this picture of the Abbot of Le Barroux, Dom Louis Marie, saying Mass at the tomb of Bl. John XXIII!


This really made my day!

Check out the link below at The New Liturgical movement for more pictures of traditional Latin Masses in Rome.

First Images From CIEL in Rome

EDIT - Pics came from the the blog Orbis Catholicus. Go there for even more pictures. (Sorry, I can only link to the blog because there are too many individual posts to link to.)

RS

Well, since you put it that way ...

Are we humans THAT gross?

It's been awhile since the last Monday levity.

Funny story in a "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" sort of way.

The original short story is by Terry Bisson, which won some type of short story sci-fi award.

"They're Made Out Of Meat"

I found out about it because someone made it into a short film, which also won an award.
I like the setting into which they put the story. The whole visualization is good. I just wish they hadn't cut out some of the lines from the story though. Still it is surreal-y funny:

(WARNING - one quick cuss word (an f-bomb) in film)



(I don't know why, but the only thing I would have added was a monkey for the guy in red. He just looks like he should have one.)

RS

How people get here: Round 111707

How some people end up at my blog:

by searching for:

-"purple vestments november"
Yes, remember, the color for Advent is violet (purple). Although in Advent you can use the bluer hues of violet, it still must be violet. Blue is not a liturgical color in the Roman Rite. Marian feasts are white. You may have some blue on a Marian vestment, but it should be obvious that the vestment is a white vestment. I mean, choosing blue vestments (and other hideous vestments) for the pope might be why Archbishop P. Marini got canned from being the Papal M.C. It might not be the reason, but it is interesting that right after P. Marini chose some hideous blue and yellow vestments for the pope, soon afterwards he was replaced by Msgr. G. Marini as Papal M.C.

-"ronald mc donald kill"
Not sure what this person was looking for. LOL.

-"Gloria in Excelsis Deo en power point"
One of the more interesting searches for prayers I've seen. Made me wonder, what happens when Windows meets Mass? Then I though, "it's obvious, that's how we get the blue vestments in Advent." It's the equivalent of a "blue screen of death" in windows: it's something that shouldn't happen and ruins whatever is currently going on.

-"breaking open the word for 32 sunday of ordinary time 2007"
Must be looking for something specific, since I've never really heard interpreting scripture being referred to as "breaking open the word."

-"the end of the world"
I can be negative sometimes, but I don't think I'm necessarily apocalyptic. (Actually my site popped up because of a story I had on the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland)

-"autobiography of Saint Benedict"
There's not an autobiography of Saint Benedict of Nursia. The closest thing would be his Rule for Monks (aka the Rule of Saint Benedict). The best information we have about his life is from Saint Gregory the Great in the Second Book of the Dialogues.

I'm not trying to make fun of what people search for, I am just entrigued not only at what terms people use in a search, but also by how search engines will end up listing my blog for something completely unrelated to my "theme." I also would like to try and answer or comment on some questions that might need to be addressed, eg that "purple vestments" question.

RS

33rd Sunday Per Annum - Comparison of Prayers

"Sermon and Deeds of the Antichrist" by Luca Signorelli*
"See that you not be deceived, for many will come in My Name, saying, 'I am He,’ and 'The time has come.’ Do not follow them!" - Luke 21:8
33rd Sunday Per Annum (Ordinary Time)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Da nobis, quaésumus, Dómine Deus noster, in tua semper devotióne gaudére, quia perpétua est et plena felícitas, si bonórum ómnium iúgiter serviámus auctóri.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father of all that is good, keep us faithful in serving you, for to serve you is our lasting joy.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant us, we beseech You, O Lord our God, to always be joyful in our devotion to You, which is our perpetual and complete happiness, if we continually serve You, the Author of all good things.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Concéde, quaésumus, Dómine, ut óculis tuæ maiestátis munus oblátum et grátiam nobis devotiónis obtíneat, et efféctum beátæ perennitátis acquírat.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord God, may the gifts we offer increase our love for you and bring us to eternal life.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Grant, we beseech You, O Lord, that this service offered in the sight of Your Majesty may both obtain for us the grace of devotion, and acquire for us the reward of a blessed eternity.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Súmpsimus, Dómine, sacri dona mystérii, humíliter deprecántes, ut, quæ in sui commemoratiónem nos Fílius tuus fácere præcépit, in nostræ profíciant caritátis augméntum.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, may we grow in love by the eucharist we have celebrated in memory of the Lord Jesus,
who is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray O Lord, we have consumed the Gifts of this Sacred Mystery, humbly praying, that, those things which Your Son has commanded us to do in His remembrance, may be a help in the increasing of our charity.
Through Christ our Lord.

*This fresco is in a side chapel in the Cathedral at Orvieto, Italy. I have seen it both in 1993 and 2005. The entire chapel is beautifully done by Luca Signorelli. It is a chapel that definitely makes you think about death, judgement, Heaven, and Hell.

RS

Computer issues

My computer has been acting weird lately. Blue screening rather regularly. Of course, given that my computer is 7 years old, it might be time look into getting a new computer. I'd say I've certainly gotten my money's worth out of it. Not only have I surfed more than the entire Billabong surf team, I have saved the world several times from disaster, as well as a few planets, and maybe even the galaxy if I remember correctly (of course I was responsible for the "incident" at Black Mesa Research Facility, but that's been kept hush-hush) LOL. I've also fought with an addiction to the MMORPG KoL, which is now completely under control (I can stop any time I want).

Anyway, it's a good thing I'll be able to visit the folks, take some time off, and have a computer on which to do some occasional gaming blogging.

We'll see how this goes. Although I do think a new computer might be necessary once I assess ye olde financial situation.

RS

How Latin can help your devotion.

I got a pleasant surprise yesterday while looking through my Rome photos. I was trying to find something for next week's feast of Pope Saint Clement I, and was looking at some of the pictures I took from the basilica of San Clemente in Rome where his relics are. As I was studying this picture:


of the main altar in the upper church of San Clemente, I suddenly noticed the inscription:
"HIC REQUIESCUNT CORPORA SS. CLEMENTIS PAPÆ ET IGN-"

click picture for better detail
I noticed that "requiescunt" and "corpora" were plural. Someone else is apparently buried there with Pope Saint Clement, and there is that "et Ign-" but the rest of the name was cut off by the wall when I took the picture from that angle. So the line says "Here lie the bodies of Saints Clement, Pope, and Ign?????" I didn't have a picture from another angle that would have helped, so I ended up looking at the information about San Clemente on The Churches of Rome Wiki (which is linked on the sidebar of this blog. It's a pretty good site, although it is very rough and I have found a few errors in the details of some churches).

Lo and behold, the relics of Saint Ignatius of Antioch are there too! This was especially providential because a friend of mine who is studying for the permenant Diaconate is doing a presentation on Saint Ignatius of Antioch, and we were trying to find out where he was buried but were having problems getting any information.

So, I'll have to add Saint Ignatius of Antioch to my list of friends I visited while in Rome. (As I said on that list, I knew there were other Saints whom I had probably been near but didn't even realize.)

See, knowing Latin does help the laity become more devoted.

RS

St. Josaphat Kuncevyc and fidelity to the Church

It's interesting that I have a devotion to Saint Josaphat, even though at first I really didn't know much of anything about him. It only started because I have a friend who has a huge devotion to Saint Josaphat after hearing about his life. So, in 2000 when I went to Rome for the Jubilee Year, I promised my friend I would pray for him at Saint Josaphat's tomb since he told me it was in one of the side altars at the Basilica of Saint Peter. Ever since visiting Saint Josaphat, I myself have gained an intrest and devotion to him. It really is amazing how much your devotion can increase for a Saint just by visiting their tomb. As I've mentioned before, this is how I have made several "friends" in Italy.

Providentially, I am starting to see why I have gained this devotion to Saint Josaphat. Given how he was martyred for the sake of unity between the Orthodox and the Catholics, I've been praying to Saint Josaphat a lot lately. Unfortunately the reason I have been praying to him so much lately is because of a situation which has arisen lately.

This situation has gotten me to thinking about people leaving the Catholic Church, especially because of scandal or frustration (not for doctrinal reasons).

On the hand I do sympathize with them. Yes, I know there are problems in the Catholic Church. But I always remind myself, it isn't the Church, but many of the sinful members of the Church Militant that mess things up. As bad as all the current scandals, and liturgical abuses, and heterodoxy being taught seem to be, these are not reflections of the Church Herself. You have to see that if these people who cause scandal had followed the Church's teachings, there would not be these problems. I really think that God is testing the members of the Church to see if we can see through the actions of individual members to see the true teachings and doctrine of the Body of Christ, the Church. Fleeing can certainly seem like an option: "Why hang around this place?" But in spite of all the garbage that goes on, the fullness of God's revelation remains in the Catholic Church. And part of that truth is that if we are to truly follow Christ, we are going to have to be crucified with Him.


I know it is easy to think that the current times of the Church are bad, and there have certainly been more idyllic times. But there have been many other difficult times in the Church. Look at the early Church and how so many bishops and emperors embraced Arianism. Read the writings of Saint Peter Damian who lived in the 11th century, and you'll see that there were sexual scandals going on then that are almost identical to the ones nowadays. You'd almost think that the Church Militant consists of men and women who suffer the effects of Original Sin. That's right, it is ... the whole world is. Yet in spite of all the problems, there has always been the constant teachings of the Church and the means to Sanctity (ie the Sacraments). As Saint Paul says, where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. And we certainly see that in times of greatest persecution or problems, God raises up more Saints, men and women who have become holy precisely because they had to fight against sin and problems in the Church. And it's often because of problems that better answers are found. Look at the early Church and see how much deeper an understanding we gained about the nature of Christ, only becuase there were those in the Church who began preaching heresy. Thus, ecuminical councils were called, and truths about Christ were clarified and better understood.

So, my whole point is, I have seen people leaving the Church out of frustrations with problems, be it the scandals, or bad liturgy, or whatever. But, I fear these people are not seeing that these problems are not caused by the Church Herself, but by individuals who are actually not following the teachings of God and the Church. Sure, there might be more comfortable places outside the Church, but is it really worth throwing away the Truth? And should we expect comfort in this life when Christ Himself suffered for us, and told us to "come and follow Me" for "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light"?

We must stay strong in our faith, even though we may hear heterodoxy coming from those who should know better, even though we may hear of scandals by individuals who are clearly not following the teachings of Christ and the Church, or even though we may see a liturgical desert (which thankfully looks like it might start blooming again).

Saint Josaphat, please pay for those who are leaving union with Peter and the Church. And pray for us that we may never be tempted or give in to the temptation to flee the Barque of Peter, even when the seas are rough, because it is safer in the boat than floating in the middle of the storm on your own.

RS

A Real Da Vinci Code?

Interesting theory. I can't imagine Leonardo hid all this in a painting, but if he was that much of a genius, then you never know. (At least it is more plausible than Dan Brown's idiotic worn out cookie cutter plot * ) Discovery has an article about a theory by musician Giovanni Maria Pala who has just written a book about his findings.

A real da Vinci code is indeed hidden within Leonardo's "The Last Supper," according to a book to be published in Italy next week.

But rather than conspiracy theories, the new code points to a hidden musical score, a sacred text and a three-dimensional chalice.

...

The Apostles, represented in groups of three, gave him a hint that the piece should be played in 3/4-time, like much 15th-century music. But it was their hands, always in relation to the breads on the table, that provided the real score — to be read from right to left, in line with Leonardo’s writing.

"I marked the pieces of bread on the table and the Apostle’s hands as music notes. Then I drew a pentagram over the scene between the tablecloth and Jesus’ face. I couldn’t believe my ears when I played the music. It sounded really solemn, almost like a requiem," Pala said.

But there was much more. Pala noticed that the notes, in their position, produced strange symbols — similar to ancient cuneiform script — when united to each other by lines.

Examined by Father Luigi Orlando, a biblical scholar at the Antonianum Pontifical University in Rome, the cuneiform writing turned out to be a sentence written in ancient Hebrew: "bo nezer usbi," which means "with Him consecration and glory."

BTW when they mention drawing a "pentagram" between the tablecloth and Jesus' face they mean the 5 line staff for music.

You can read the whole article here:

Leonardo's 'Last Supper' Hides True Da Vinci Code

and see a quick video here, which may explain it better:

History: Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' Secrets Revealed
(be patient, the video was a bit slow to load and play)

*All his books are the same, the names of the conspiracy and characters are just different. Take a mysterious murder, an "expert" in their field (usually cryptology), hook them up with a (sexy) sidekick of the opposite sex (this will be the "good guys" team), have a conspiracy going on by some unknown or secretive organization (this will be the "bad guys"), said conspiracy will "change the world" in some way, have said good guys trek all over some locale, be it a city, a continent, or the globe, all the meanwhile tracking down a trail of mysterious, coded clues.

RS

A meditation on receiving Holy Communion.

"Communion" by Giuseppe Maria Crespi
As a good meditation for Sunday, I found a great reflection by Abbot Joseph of the Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Byzantine-rite Ukranian Catholic monastery in Redwood Valley, California.

Is it really a Holy Communion?

This would be a great meditation before (every) Mass.

RS

Very cool vestment

This is for Carolina Cannonball.

I share her intrest in Eastern things. Liturgically, the Eastern Churches (Byzantine Cahtolics and Eastern Orthodox) have, for the most part, done a good job of preserving the liturgical tradition. One thing I love is how much respect they give the Mass (Divine Liturgy as it is usually referred to in the East). I mean, if you look at their icons, their churches, their vestments, you can see they generally take it seriously. Don't get me wrong, we can do some pretty beautiful liturgies in the West, although it is much less frequent in the Novus Ordo reform. You can tell there has been a general decrease in the respect for the Mass and liturgical tradition in the West after the reforms of the 1960's (but that is for another post).

Anyway, I found this picture of an Eastern Orthodox Metropolitan in Milan.


I don't know why, but I love the pattern on the vestments. I am wondering if something like that could work on a chasuble (more likely a more gothic vestment than a Roman style). Of course, that much blue wouldn't work since that is not a liturgical color in the West (sorry, Advent is violet and Marian feasts are white in the West). Still, I think the pattern could possibly work. It's certainly better than the burlap/curtain/drapes/polyester material a majority of vestments in the West seem to be made in.

Anyway, I need to try to get more good Western vestment pics up since we need all the encouragement we can get in these liturgically chaotic days.

For example, Fr. Z. had a beautiful chasuble for All Souls the gold and black material is impressive (just ignore that last photo ... or at least avoid drinking anything when you view it, otherwise your beverage will end up all over your keyboard and monitor).

RS

32nd Sunday Per Annum - Comparison of Prayers

32nd Sunday Per Annum (Ordinary Time)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens et miséricors Deus, univérsa nobis adversántia propitiátus exclúde, ut, mente et córpore páriter expedíti, quæ tua sunt líberis méntibus exsequámur.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God of power and mercy, protect us from all harm. Give us freedom of spirit and health in mind and body to do your work on earth.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Merciful God, graciously keep away from us all opposing things, so that, equally unhindered both in mind and body, we may carry out with free wills those things which are Yours.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Sacrifíciis præséntibus, Dómine, quaésumus, inténde placátus, ut, quod passiónis Fílii tui mystério gérimus, pio consequámur afféctu.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
God of mercy, in this eucharist we proclaim the death of the Lord. Accept the gifts we present and help us follow him with love,
for he is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
O Lord, graciously look upon these sacrifices in Your Presence, so that, with pious love we may pursue that which we carry out in this Mystery of the Passion of Your Son.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Grátias tibi, Dómine, reférimus sacro múnere vegetáti, tuam cleméntiam implorántes, ut, per infusiónem Spíritus tui, in quibus cæléstis virtus introívit, sinceritátis grátia persevéret.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, we thank you for the nourishment you give us through your holy gift. Pour out your Spirit upon us and in the strength of this food from heaven keep us single-minded in your service.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been nourished by this Sacred Gift, we return our thanks to You, O Lord, imploring Your clemency, so that, through the pouring forth of Your Spirit, the grace of uprightness may persevere in those whom Your heavenly strength has entered.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

How people find this site.

There seems to be a growing trend of posting what people are searching for when they find your site. So, I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon. This can be done rather easily with the "ego inflator" sitemeter info.

So let's see ...

- To the person searching by asking "Can one go to the Sunday Vigil and fulfill the obligation for the Immaculate Conception" the answer is "No". You cannot fulfill the obligations for two different days with one Mass, even if it does seem like a grey area. If you have two holy days of obligation in a row (eg if the Immaculate Conception fell on a Monday), you would have to attend a Mass for that Sunday, then you would also have to attend another Mass being celebrated for the Immaculate Conception.

-"blood of saint liquify during his feast": this is odd. Not because they are looking for information about Saint Januarius of Naples, but because I am not sure why my site came up in the search, since I have never mentioned him before on this blog. I believe that during the last feast day, his blood did liquify (apparently if his blood does not liquify on his feast, it is a sign bad things are going to happen. This happened with WWI and WWII and eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius, if I remember correctly).

-"University of Dallas Summorum Pontificum" although I've never blogged about these two topics together, I can say that from what I've been seeing about Stubenville's Summorum Pontificum controversy, UD's liturgies are usually much more "normal" (than some video clips I saw of Stubenville), and rumor is that there may be a TLM offered regularly at UD in the near future. If only UD could get a chaplain who doesn't change and "politically correct" the words of the Mass. Thankfully, there are many other good priests who help out there, and there are other easily accessable Masses within walking distance of the campus chapel.

-also, if you visit a "bad" site, before you come here, I can see that too. So please practice custody of the eyes and don't visit those places. I don't see the actual site, but I do see the url, and some of those url's are pretty obvious. And I also know which country you are in.

otherwise, not much interesting to note this round.

Last 100 visitors were from: U.S. and Canada, England, Eastern Europe, South Asia, South America, Panama, South Africa, and New Zealand.

And the "ego inflator" says we just passed 24,000 hits! (I only get an average of about 95 hits a day, which is pretty small time in the blog world, but still a little more than the majority of blogs out there.)

RS

Allergies stink!

.
So what's it take to take down a grizzly?


Apparently, something only this small.


Allergy season in this area has been absolutely horrible. My sinuses are just driving me nuts.


This year we literally had rain for May, June, and July, almost everyday, something that is not typical of a Texas summer. While the temperatures were much nicer this year than normal, it meant that the extra rain would help all the ragweed grow well.

And upon returning from my Rome pilgrimage, my body immediatly noticed it within 24 hours of returning.

For some reason, I have still been feeling something. After going to the doctor yesterday, I find out that mountain cedar is just starting to pick up. Today, I have been feeling better (the steroid shot and the antiboiotics probably help). But I don't like feeling like some type of druggie having been taking stuff for the last month now. But trying to get rest and waking up at the crack of 10:00 am is not very good for my personal productivity. As much as I like to rest and take it easy, I do hate days like today where I just don't do anything.



It's already 3:45pm, maybe I should consider getting cleaned up today.


I just hate the fact that Newton's first law of motion tends to be true for me today: "An object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force."

I can't even come up with a clever blog topic. Oh, well, if you've gotten this far, I guess you have gotten enough entertainment.

RS

Monastic Diurnal

I just got my paws on the Monastic Diurnal from Saint Michael's Abbey Press (the same press that has Adrian Fortescue's book "The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described" updated for the 1962 Missal. I ordered it for my birthday (EDIT - with the B-Day money sent from Mom and Dad. Thanks!), and it just arrived today (2 days "late" isn't bad when it came by cheapest shipping from the United Kingdom).

This is the traditional Benedictine Divine Office. It has all the hours of the Office except for Matins (and I have a set of Breviarum Monaticum if I ever do want to say Matins). It basically has everything that the old Antiphonale Monasticum has except for the chant music. This was the Divine Office we prayed when I was a novice at the monastery in Norcia. I have an old Antiphonale Monasticum, but since I'll just be reciting this privately as I am able, I really don't need the chant. The other nice thing is that the Monastic Diurnal has the Latin and a good translation of it into English. It's also nice that the rubrics are in English, which makes figuring out what I have forgotten a bit easier.

Why am I starting to try and say the traditional Benedictine Office? Well, from what I have read, the traditional Benedictine Divine Office is probably one of the best preserved examples of the Divine Office of the old Roman Rite. The old Benedictine Office is practially the same as the way Saint Benedict laid out the structure in his Rule for monks. And he based much of it on the structure of the Roman Office of his day.

In Laszlo Dobszay's "The Bugnini-Liturgy and the Reform of the Reform," one of the things he looks at is the reform of the Divine Office, which after Vatican II was given a major overhaul and turned into the Liturgy of the Hours. Yet, interestingly enough, he notes that some of the changes of saying the Office more "efficiently" (which could be negatively translated as "not having to spend as much time praying the Office) had been made to the Roman Office with the reforms of Pope Pius X. And not only has the Liturgy of the Hours been watered down (you can say an entire day's required hours within 60 minutes), but the English translation of the Liturgy of the Hours is just annoying. I really don't like the Grail Psalter. It is a bit better than the NAB Psalms we have at Mass [cringe], but I just feel like I am missing so much with the Grail Psalter.

Unfortunately, with the reform of the Roman Office (from about 3 hours of prayer a day to less than one hour), many monastic communities abandoned the traditional Benedictine Office for either the Roman Liturgy of the Hours or some "homemade" office, which more often than not doesn't follow Saint Benedict's insistance that all 150 Psalms be recited by the monks in one week. This includes Cistercians and Trappists since their Offices were based on Saint Benedict's.

Plus, it's hard to understand the idea that the new Liturgy of the Hours frees a priest to do more. I would think that extra two or three hours praying to God could bear much more fruit than a priest "busying" himself with pastoral things.

Anyway, if I'm going to continue on to become a lay Benedictine Oblate, this Diurnal is a good way to be a bit more united with the monastery prayer-wise.

The quality of the book is nice (yes, it's nice to have most everything in one volume too), and the layout is pretty easy to figure out. I'm looking forward to using this.

RS

Fr. Z. answers a Roman Sacristan question.

Altar set up at the Mass for Deceased Pontiffs, the first Mass with Mons. Guido Marini as MC.
Wow, I was honored to see that Fr. Z. blogged about a question which I sent to him. It feels like when a little kid gets a reply to his letter from his favorite sports athlete.

I know the question seems to be liturgical minutia, but I was honestly surprised to see the altar crucifix facing that way given what I have been used to seeing in the past at Saint Peter's with Archbishop Piero Marini at the MC helm. I am also interested in liturgical minutae because I just want to learn liturgy as best I can, and because I respect the liturgy. When you don't pay attention to detail, the liturgy can get sloppy. I can say this from experience. Knowledge and planning of the liturgy can make a world of difference.

But the question came up because I have seen priests make a big deal about this. At our parish, the priest has the crucifix facing him (as in the picture above). But at another place I go to Mass (which I would say is pretty conservative compared to many other places in the diocese), the powers that be insist the altar crucifix HAS to face the people.

It's good to have a reasonable answer now.

RS

31st Sunday Per Annum - Comparison of Prayers

31st Sunday Per Annum (Ordinary Time)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens et miséricors Deus, de cuius múnere venit, ut tibi a fidélibus tuis digne et laudabíliter serviátur, tríbue, quaésumus, nobis, ut ad promissiónes tuas sine offensióne currámus.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God of power and mercy, only with your help can we offer fitting service and praise. May we live the faith we profess and trust your promise of eternal life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Merciful God, from Whose gift it comes, that Your faithful serve You worthily and laudably, grant to us, we beseech You, that we may run to Your promises without stumbling.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Fiat hoc sacrifícium, Dómine, oblátio tibi munda, et nobis misericórdiæ tuæ sancta largítio.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
God of mercy, may we offer a pure sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O Lord, may this Sacrifice be a spotless oblation to You, and a holy outpouring of Your Mercy on us.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Augeátur in nobis, quaésumus, Dómine, tuæ virtútis operátio, ut, refécti cæléstibus sacraméntis, ad eórum promíssa capiénda tua múnere præparémur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, you give us new hope in this eucharist. May the power of your love continue its saving work among us and bring us to the joy you promise.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. May the workings of Your strength, we beseech You, O Lord, be made abundant in us, so that, having been refreshed by these Heavenly Sacraments, we may by Your gift be prepared for taking hold of that which they promise.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

All Saints - Comparison of Prayers

I did make a few minor changes from last year.

Comparison of Prayers for All Saints.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui nos ómnium Sanctórum tuórum mérita sub una tribuísti celebritáte venerári, quaésumus, ut, desiderátam nobis tuæ propitiatiónis abundántiam, multiplicátis intercessóribus, largiáris.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, today we rejoice in the holy men and women of every time and place. May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, Who grant us this one feast to venerate the merits of all Your Saints, we beseech You, that, through this multitude of intercessors, You might bestow on us the abundance of Your mercy which we desire.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, You Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Grata tibi sint, Dómine, múnera, quæ pro cunctórum offérimus honóre Sanctórum, et concéde, ut, quos iam crédimus de sua immortalitáte secúros, sentiámus de nostra salúte sollícitos.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive our gifts in honor of the holy men and women who live with you in glory. May we always be aware of their concern to help and save us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
May these gifts, which we offer for the honor of all the Saints, be pleasing to You, O Lord, and grant, that, as we now believe in the security of their immortality, we may feel diligence for our own salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the glory of our mother Jerusalem

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Nobis enim hódie civitátem tuam tríbuis celebráre, quæ mater nostra est, cælestísque Ierúsalem, ubi iam te in ætérnam fratrum nostrórum coróna colláudat.
Ad quam peregríni, per fidem accedéntes, alácriter festinámus, congaudéntes de Ecclésiæ sublímium glorificatióne membrórum, qua simul fragilitáti nostræ adiuménta et exémpla concédis.
Et ídeo, cum ipsórum Angelorúmque frequéntia, una te magnificámus, laudis voce clamántes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
Today we keep the festival of your holy city, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother. Around your throne the saints, our brothers and sisters, sing your praise for ever.
Their glory fills us with joy, and their communion with us in your Church gives us inspiration and strength as we hasten on our pilgrimage of faith, eager to meet them.
With their great company and all the angels we praise your glory as we cry out with one voice:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
For You granted to us to celebrate today Your city, which is our mother, the Heavenly Jerusalem, where the encompassing multitude of our brethren now greatly praise You for all eternity.
As pilgrims, we hasten quickly, to Your city, approaching through faith, rejoicing together in the glorification of the exalted members of the Church, whom You bestow as both helpers of our weaknesses and as examples.
And so, with the host of Saints and Angels, we glorify You as one, crying out with a voice of praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Mirábilem te, Deus, et unum Sanctum in ómnibus Sanctis tuis adorántes, tuam grátiam implorámus, qua, sanctificatiónem in tui amóris plenitúdine consummántes, ex hac mensa peregrinántium ad cæléstis pátriæ convívium transeámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, holy one, we praise your glory reflected in the saints. May we who share at this table be filled with your love and prepared for the joy of your kingdom.
where Jesus is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. We beg You for Your miraculous grace, O God, which perfects our sanctification in the fullness of Your love, and adoring Your one Holy Son in all Your Saints, may we pass from this table of pilgrims to the feast of the Heavenly homeland.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS